Can you drive between North and South Island in New Zealand?

Can you drive from North to South in New Zealand? Fancy a road trip between islands? Unfortunately, there is no bridge or tunnel connecting the islands, the distance is too great. However, there is an Interislander Ferry or Bluebridge Cook Strait car ferry that you can hop aboard.



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New Zealand's most famous and beautiful ferry route is between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. The journey between the two islands is commonly referred to as 'crossing the Cook Strait'. The sailing time is around 3.5 hours (weather dependent).

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Taking the ferry as a walk-on passenger Taking the ferry without a vehicle is the cheapest - and also the most convenient - way of crossing the strait - and if you book with us you will leave your existing rental vehicle at one end, and pick up a new one at the other.

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The South Island is very different from the North Island. For starters it's larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has gorgeous coastline, though it's best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland.

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MULTI ISLAND HIRE The Multi-Island Hire sets up one booking for your entire journey. Customers travelling between the North and South Island are permitted to take Avis rental vehicles on the Inter-Island ferries across Cook Strait.

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A Scot has set a new world record for the fastest swim across the Cook Strait - the waters between New Zealand's North and South Islands. Andy Donaldson, 31, swam through the night to complete the 23km route in four hours and 33 minutes. It was the third leg of seven comprising the Oceans Seven challenge.

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For a 10-day trip, we recommend visiting up to four or five different destinations. Our 10-day itinerary locations are some of the most popular: Auckland the City of Sails, Wellington the cultural, art and food capital, and Queenstown the home of world-class adrenaline activities.

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While on the ferry, especially during a long trip, you would most probably like to move around freely without having to drag your baggage with you everywhere. Most ferries have designated luggage areas, where you can store your belongings.

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Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages can be brought and consumed on board the ferry. Due to state law, alcoholic beverages that are not purchased on board the ferry cannot be consumed on the ferry. Please see our current COVID-19 rules related to masking.

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Do you need a car in New Zealand? There are definitely a few cons to going carless in New Zealand, but no, you don't NEED a car to travel the country. Ultimately, I'm happy with my choice to travel without one. I spent almost a year traveling New Zealand without a car and I found it to be quite simple—and fun!

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